Administration:
As students at BYU, we are all required to sign the Honor code. Basically, it states what we should and shouldn't do, and we sign it--promising to keep by the standards set, on our honor. It is enforced in the dorms most of all, pertaining to visiting hours between boys and girls, and things like that. It is also enforced in places like the testing center, where cheating is not tolerated. But elsewhere, it is up to you to keep the honor code and make sure you are doing right--and it actually is not a problem for most students to follow.

Party Scene:
There are always several parties going on around campus, and even some sponsored by the school, but seeing as we are an LDS school, none of us students drink or do drugs. The parties are all about the social interactions and the dancing. Although they are mostly house parties, there are also several places in and around Provo that cater to us students' need for parties and fun. Public transportation, driving, or walking will get you anywhere.

Transportation:
There are several bus stops around the area and on campus that go almost everywhere in Provo, and are easy to access for those who live farther away. There is also a bus transfer station nearby which transfers you to busses that go both north to Salt Lake City, or south to Spanish Fork. There is also a passenger train nearby that can take you north to Salt Lake, or to the airport. Transportation is very accessible

Diversity:
I think considering the fact that the institution is based on a religion, this college is incredibly open. Though the diversity religiously may not be startling, they keep an open mind to others. And I personally have many friends in my major who are gay and as long as they follow the same standards the school has set a part, they're fine! As far as ethnicity and culture, I love how many international students I seem to meet all the time! It makes for a really interesting learning environment

Athletics:
I'm not a sports person in the slightest, but I've been to some games this year, and they're great! Super fun environment and tons of Cougar pride! The football team isn't great and the best teams get hardly any attention, but the facility is great and the spirit it pretty high. GO COUGS!

Parking:
Of all complaints, parking is the worst thing. I hate that you have a limit to the tickets you can get before they BAN you from campus parking! Also, there's no parking for undergrads. None. A-lots surrounding every building for teachers, but nothing for any undergrad (who are the majority of the population at the school). The fees aren't crazy and permits are free, but I can't walk to campus, I live too far! I have to drive!

Overall Experience:
I chose my school for a reason. I got scholarships other places, but here was where I loved! I love the religious aspect because as a person raised with others always against me, I feel like I can relax. I feel at home. The campus is GORGEOUS! Full of color and life and always alive with activities that are cheap enough even poor college students can attend! Not to mention the amazing groups like the one I'm a part of, the Young Ambassadors. Because of this performing group, I get to tour Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! In fact, most students I know on campus have either toured with a group in another country, or gone on a study abroad. My school is great at providing unique experiences! I would absolutely pick this school all over again!

Campus Housing:
I lived in Wyview, freshman housing, for about a year. I absolutely loved it! I loved that it felt more like an apartment than freshman housing, and I think its smart to have an option like that available for those who don't want to live in a dorm like situation. The social atmosphere was great, always tons to do and be a part of, it was a little far from campus, but it was easy to pay my rent and I loved the location because it felt more like off campus housing, with the protection a freshman needs

Campus Food:
Dining is just "eh" for me. The Cannon is alright, but gets old pretty fast, and then the Cougareat has about five different fast food places, but frequenting Taco Bell, Chick Fil A and Subway also gets a bit boring. I wish there was more variety of places you could use your meal plan, because I spend a LOT of money each semester eating off-campus when I'm already paying a lot for on-campus food. It just gets boring.

Guys & Girls:
Definitely lots of preppy, clique-y quintessential Mormons, but if you don't fit into their category, there are plenty of us (there are 30,000 students after all) that don't fit the mold. I would say for the most part dating is a huge thing, but it's mostly initiated by shameless girls, which is kinda weird.

Athletics:
The athletic scene at BYU is the best. All the athletes get to know each other, and are friends or acquaintances for the most part. Football and men's volleyball games especially are so cool, and a lot of fun. For regular students, the RB has plenty of great programs for people to get involved. The intramural sports teams are really popular, and there are lots of student activity (StAC) and dance classes that people register for to stay active. You can also purchase a wristband for the semester and attend Zumba/Pilates/Yoga classes every week.

Local Area:
UVU is really close, and it's not uncommon for UVU and BYU students to live together in off-campus housing. Provo is big enough that it's got everything you need, but I personally like driving up to Salt Lake for a more fun environment. There's not much to do down here, besides go to the mall, or go to the ice rink, or drive up to Sundance. Salt Lake provides a lot more entertainment value.

Health & Safety:
There are literally no safely concerns here. I mean, if you're from small-town Utah and Provo is a big city for you, then I wouldn't recommend hanging out by the Amtrak station alone, but coming from a large, urban area, Provo is seriously nothing. I feel totally comfortable walking anywhere here alone at night.

Campus Quality:
I think the most unique part of BYU is the ability to attend a respected university and feel no pressure to lower your standards. If anything, I've felt pressure to raise my standards because there are just so many people here that have accomplished so much not just spiritually, but in academics, in sports, in art and many other avenues. It's a conglomeration of some of the best and brightest minds, and that is refreshing coming from a public high school where little if anyone cared about education and their future.

Campus Quality:
The BYU facilities really are great. As a student-athlete, the new Student Athlete Building is amazing and provides so many benefits to student-athletes like mentoring and tutoring that is really helpful. There is also a great intermural program and student activities like Pilates and Yoga that are really popular. The library is INCREDIBLE, one of the best in the nation to my understanding. Literally, it has anything you could possibly need to study.

Overall Experience:
The social aspect is not as great as I'd hoped, and the winter is cold, but overall I think the experience of being at BYU cannot be duplicated anywhere. I cannot emphasize enough how great the academics are, and the people here are some of the friendliest and most genuine people in the world. It's an exciting place to be.

Academics:
I'm a psych major, and the Psychology program here is great. It's the largest major on campus, but it's also one of the shortest, and is conducive to graduating in three years. There are so many great things happening within the psych department: there's free tutoring in Psych Central, the SONA research lab where upperclassmen conduct research and underclassmen act as test subjects, and our very own MRI lab. Not to mention the psych professors are well-known to be some of the most knowledgable and entertaining on campus, making them really great options as mentors and future recommendation letter writers for grad school.

Academics:
The academics at BYU are bar-none. I've loved every class I've taken, even ones that are on the opposite side of the spectrum from my interests. The combination of secular and spiritual education is so uplifting, and really gives you the right perspective in the classroom. The University Core has also been so enriching for me, as I've learned so much about subjects that I never would have taken before.

Party Scene:
Downtown Provo has a few good little bars and stuff where some local bands play, and Center St. has a fair amount of options for things to do. There are some cool dance parties in the convention center downtown, too.

Diversity:
If you're coming to BYU, you probably fall under the typical stereotypes too. 98% LDS, mostly of white, middle-class background. There are exceptions of course, and I've met a fair amount of international students, but it's not exactly what I would call diverse.

Scholarships:
The tuition here is cheap anyways, but the financial aid process is no hassle at all. I qualified for both federal and institutional financial aid, and the office was great with handling my questions about aid. The online Financial Center is also very convenient and easy as well.

Overall ExperienceWhat's this?

A BYU experience is unlike anything else. The things that you will learn go far beyond what is taught in the classrooms, and the people that you will meet are exceptional. Researching the school, and being familiar with the rules and expectations of students, will make the transition smoother and help you get the most out of your BYU experience.

Talking with people who have attended, reading books such as this one, and looking at the BYU Web site (www.byu.edu) are all great ways to make sure that this is really the school for you. If you decide that BYU is what you want, then jump in and enjoy it! You are in for a great and character-building experience.